West Siberian Laika:
http://www.devrolijkeviervoeters.org/fci062.htm#306
>>SHORT HISTORICAL SUMMARY: This breed was established by crossing the closely related Hantyisker and Mansijaker strains of Laiki with the dogs of the Russian hunters of the Northern Ural and Western Siberia. Apart from the native stock in the areas where hunting is practised, this breed is widely distributed in the middle zone of Russia, where there is a big number of these dogs produced at large breeding establishments. In quite a few hunting areas there are special kennels for the breeding of West Siberian Laiki.
We still can distinguish the Mansi- and Hanty-types of Laiki in this breed.
The Mansi Laika is lighter built, with narrower chest and longer legs. The head is more elongate with a longer muzzle.
The Hanty Laika is stockier built and slightly rangy. The head is broader and the muzzle is slightly shorter. The coat, especially on the neck and shoulders is stronger developed than in the Mansi Laika.<<
The dogs we see today are acceptable in todays dog shows. Remember, dogs in Alex. III's time were not established as they are, now. But, you do get the general look in most cases. Dogs like the German Shepherd were not an established bred in Alex. III's time (died 1894).
AGRBear
